WEATHER UPDATE: Met Office issue amber warning for North East

James Willoughby

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for more rain in the North East, including Northumberland.

The warning, which means 'be prepared', was issued earlier this afternoon and is valid from 3.30pm until 11.55pm.

The warning on the Met Office website states: 'Further spells of heavy rain are expected across parts of the North East for the rest of today. A further 25-40mm of rain is likely in places. Given that the ground is already saturated please be prepared for further surface water and river flooding from the cumulative effect of the rainfall. The worst of the rain should begin to ease overnight.'

The chief forecaster has said that spells of heavy rain will continue and 'the emphasis for the heaviest rain has transferred northwards across north-east England to become focused across Northumberland and Durham, including Tyne and Wear where we can expect some localised medium impacts from the additional rainfall'.

A separate yellow warning (be aware) for rain has also been issued for the North East and the Scottish Borders and it is in place until 6am tomorrow. The warning reads: 'The rain should begin to ease overnight. Given that the ground is already saturated please be aware of the likelihood of further surface water and river flooding from the cumulative effect of the rainfall.'